Two monolithic balcony installations, constructed out of prefabricated concrete columns and platforms, perfectly complement the scale and massing of the late nineteenth century apartment block that they abut. Both towers are freestanding as an historic preservation order protects the building’s external fabric.

The concrete’s etched finish - which is the result of extensive testing with several 1:1 samples, incorporating various aggregates and pigments - references the use of red sandstone in the door and window trims. The objective here was not to copy the building's painted treatment of the material, but rather to articulate the sandstone's core qualities - its colour, composition and texture - within a concrete template. And as an elegant counterpoint to the scheme’s solidity, self-supporting stainless steel railings neatly enclose each floor plate.

The spindles in each railing section sit within a series of 50mm deep countersunk stainless steel bushings, all of which are precisely aligned, having been collectively configured as a single unit within the pre-cast concrete mould (which was welded together with steel rods to eliminate any movement). In addition, during casting each of the bushings was fitted with a small plastic cylinder to protect its volumetric integrity.

The final component in the railing detail is a circular steel plate surround for each of the spindles - this slots into the bushing and sits flush with the floor.

Internally, the platforms are calibrated with a 2% fall to allow for drainage. 3cm thick sandstone slabs, positioned on footings, provide a safe and durable surface. Throughout the scheme, the modular nature of the building components is subtly disseminated by a 10mm shadow gap detail.

In essence, the project’s tectonic composition represents a seamless integration of making and thought, culminating in two contextually measured structures that are well-honed, well-grounded and well-proportioned.

PROFILE

Studio

Established in 1998, Ian Shaw Architekten is an award winning, international practice based in Frankfurt, offering a full architectural service together with urban design and master-planning; interior architecture; furniture and product design; and acoustics & sound system design.

The practice has extensive experience in a wide range of building types, having delivered projects across the commercial, culture, healthcare, industrial and residential sectors.

Ian Shaw Architekten holds membership of both the Bund Deutscher Architekten (BDA) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Principles

The practice is interested in the communicative potential of construction and materiality. Integral to this approach is the use of light as a building element, defining space and animating form.

Every scheme we undertake is developed with efficiency, elegance and authenticity; and always articulated with close reference to context and function.

In essence, our buildings aim to generate a strong sense of place through visceral, experiential content; it is about rooting an architecture in its culture and topography.

Process

Everything we create is the outcome of an intensive dialogue between our clients and ourselves. Each detail is carefully considered. From concept design to completion - encompassing working drawings, specifications, rigorous site supervision and cost control - our methodology is exacting.

In addition, we make extensive use of models in developing a new project. This process is fundamental; it keeps us grounded. We design; computers assist. Technology plays its role but it's never a substitute for the art of space making, the art of building

TRANSLATE

RELATED LINKS

IAN SHAW

DIRECTOR

Ian Shaw was educated at the University of Liverpool, UK, and the University of Oregon, USA, with his internship spent at the highly respected Swiss practice, arb Architects.

Following six years working in some of Europe’s leading architectural firms, Ian established Ian Shaw Architekten in Frankfurt am Main in 1998. Under his guidance, the practice has built a reputation for exacting quality, delivering a wide range of building typologies, for both public and private clients, across the commercial, culture, healthcare, industrial and residential sectors.

Professionally, Ian is a director of the Frankfurt division of the Bund Deutscher Architekten (BDA), a member of the city's planning advisory committee, co-director of Architecture Summer Rhein-Main and a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

In the academic field, he is visiting lecturer at both Universität Mainz and Technische Universität Darmstadt. In Mainz, he teaches foundation intermediary & advanced design; and in Darmstadt, acoustics & integrated services.

GRAEME RUSSELL

CONSULTANT

For the past twenty years, Graeme Russell has specialised in creative programming and production in the fields of architecture, art and design. Major projects include: developing CUBE, Manchester's critically acclaimed architecture and design centre; originating and producing the RIBA's largest external exhibition programme to date, Le Corbusier - The Art of Architecture in Liverpool, London and Venice; and curating more than forty exhibition projects, many of them UK firsts, featuring leading international architects, artists and designers. In addition to his consultancy work with Ian Shaw Architekten, Graeme is currently working with the RIBA, BDA Frankfurt & Architectursommer Rhein-Main 2015